Gran Canaria: Private Yacht Excursion with Drinks, Lunch, and Snorkeling

A private yacht, a quiet cove reachable only from the sea, and a cold drink in your hand: that is the appeal here. You sail from Puerto Rico toward Mogán, stop near Perchel Cove for snorkeling and paddleboarding, then cruise past Tauro Beach and the Tiritaña Cliffs.

I like the private setting, which lets your group choose between music, conversation, swimming, and a little dancing without sharing the boat with strangers. I also like the easy transport from hotels across southern Gran Canaria, plus the warm, friendly service from crew members such as Suso and Ronnie.

The main caution is that this is sold as a lunch-and-drinks outing, but the food is closer to a generous snack or tapas spread than a full meal. One person also reported not receiving the promised cava, so I would confirm the drink service when you board. Sea conditions can change the route and activities, too.

Key points to know before you book

• Private yacht for up to 12 people: The listed price is $565 per group of up to six, while the boat can hold as many as 12 passengers. Larger groups should confirm the final price before booking.
• Perchel Cove is the main swimming stop: This sea-access-only cove gives you the best chance to use the snorkeling gear and paddleboards.
• The open bar is broad but not unlimited in every direction: Beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices are included. Cocktails, wine, cava beyond the welcome serving, and mixed drinks cost extra.
• The crew gets the strongest praise: Suso, Ronnie, and the wider team are described as attentive, cheerful, and good at finding the right balance between guidance and relaxed private time.
• Bring a towel and motion-sickness medicine: Towels are not supplied, and the operator specifically warns people who get seasick to bring pills.
• Water sports can add to the bill: Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing are available for extra fees when weather permits.

Setting out from Puerto Rico

Your day begins with transport to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, the departure port on the island’s south coast. Pickup is available from a long list of hotels and accommodation areas, including Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Puerto de Mogán, Taurito, Patalavaca, Anfi, and nearby resorts.

The van transfer is listed as taking about 20 minutes, though the total pickup time can vary because the service collects people from different locations. You need to book pickup in advance, give the exact hotel or address, and wait outside five minutes before the agreed time. That small bit of planning matters, especially if you are staying in a large resort complex.

At Puerto Rico, you meet the captain and guide before boarding the private yacht. The crew gives you a short explanation of the plan, then you head out with a welcome glass of cava. The first part is less about sightseeing stops and more about settling into the boat, feeling the sea breeze, and getting a different view of Gran Canaria’s southern coast.

Music is part of the atmosphere, and the private format makes a real difference here. You can sit quietly with your family, listen to music, or make the outing more social without adjusting to a mixed group. Reports from the trip point to Suso and Ronnie as especially warm hosts, with plenty of humor and help when needed.

I would still confirm the cava when you board. It is included in the advertised package, but one booking reported that it was missing. That sounds like an isolated service slip rather than the normal plan, but it is worth checking politely at the start.

The coast toward Mogán and Perchel Cove

The yacht heads toward the Mogán area, with views of the coast from the water rather than from a road or resort promenade. This is one of the best reasons to book a boat trip in Gran Canaria. You see the shoreline from a slower, more open angle, and the cliffs and coves make more sense when viewed from offshore.

The principal stop is Perchel Cove, which can only be reached from the sea. That gives the stop a more secluded feel than a standard beach visit, although the experience still depends on wind, waves, and visibility. You should think of it as a swimming and play stop rather than a formal beach landing.

Here, the crew provides snorkeling equipment and two paddleboards. You can swim, look for marine life, or take a turn standing or kneeling on a board. The setup suits mixed groups well. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while beginners can keep things simple and stay close to the yacht.

Snorkeling conditions are not guaranteed to be perfect. The sea may be choppy, and the underwater view changes with weather and water clarity. Still, having the equipment on board means you do not need to arrange a separate activity, and the stop gives you a clear break from sitting on deck.

The boat also offers discounted add-on activities at this point. Jet skiing costs €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes. A sea scooter costs €25 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing costs €35 per person for 10 minutes. These extras depend on weather and availability, so budget for them only if your group is keen.

The operator also mentions a crazy sofa ride, but no price is provided for it. Ask about the current cost and conditions before committing. The included paddleboards are the better value if you want water activity without increasing the price.

Food, drinks, and the meaning of lunch

The included food is described as assorted snacks, with fresh seasonal ingredients. The examples and booking information point toward tapas-style items, including a meat and cheese board and Spanish omelette. One family specifically praised the tortilla, calling it the best they ate during their time in Gran Canaria.

That sounds appealing, but I would set your expectations correctly. This is not a restaurant lunch with several courses. It is a snack spread designed to accompany a few hours at sea. If you need a large meal, eat something beforehand or keep a proper dinner plan for after the trip.

The drinks package includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. This makes the price easier to judge because you are not paying separately for every ordinary drink. A welcome glass of cava is included, but cocktails, wine, mixed drinks, and additional cava are not part of the standard package.

Dietary needs should be shared in advance. The food uses seasonal ingredients, and the operator says it can address dietary requirements if informed before the trip. Do not wait until boarding if someone in your group has a serious restriction.

The best way to enjoy the food is after the swim, when you are ready to dry off and sit down. The crew prepares the snack while you enjoy the water, then you can take a drink and eat while the yacht continues along the coast. You may find that the meal feels more satisfying because it is tied to the setting, but it remains a light boat snack rather than a major feast.

Paddleboards, snorkeling, and optional thrills

Two paddleboards are included, so the activity works best when your group is happy to take turns. Beginners can use them at an easy pace, while experienced paddlers can make a longer circuit around the yacht if conditions allow. The operator presents the activity as suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Snorkeling gear is also supplied. You should bring your own towel, since towels are not included, and apply sunscreen before boarding as well as after swimming. Sunglasses are useful during the open-water cruising sections, but secure them carefully in windy conditions.

The paid water sports are there for people who want a faster, more energetic outing. Jet skiing and parasailing can add excitement, while a sea scooter offers another way to move through the water. I would treat these as optional extras, not as part of the core value of the trip.

Weather controls much of the day. Strong wind, rough seas, or poor conditions can change the route and may limit snorkeling, paddleboarding, or other water sports. The itinerary may also change, so do not book this expecting a fixed sequence of stops.

If you get seasick, take the operator’s warning seriously. Bring your usual motion-sickness medicine and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. The yacht will be moving for much of the outing, and even a short trip can feel long if you spend it feeling unwell.

The return past Tauro and Tiritaña

After the swimming and food stop, the yacht begins the return toward Puerto Rico. The route passes through Mogán Bay, by Tauro Beach, and along the Tiritaña Cliffs. This is the time to keep your camera ready, since the boat gives you changing views of the coastline and plenty of open space for group photos.

You may also see dolphins, though this is not a guaranteed wildlife excursion. One group happened to encounter a pod, which became a memorable part of the day. I would treat that as a lucky extra rather than a promised feature.

The return section is also when the private setting becomes most useful. You can sit with your group, listen to music, share photos, or simply watch the cliffs pass by. Some groups use the music for dancing, while others prefer a quieter end to the trip.

The outing lasts about three to four hours on the water. That is long enough to combine cruising, a swim, food, and water activities without taking up an entire day. If your holiday schedule is tight, this half-day format leaves time for dinner or another activity. If you want a full-day sailing experience, though, this will feel brief.

You return to Puerto Rico, where the van can take you back to your accommodation if you arranged pickup. You can also stay in town, walk along the promenade, and choose from local restaurants. That option is useful if you want to turn the boat trip into a longer afternoon rather than immediately return to your hotel.

What the $565 group price really buys

At $565 per group of up to six, the base cost works out to roughly $94 per person if you fill all six places. That is not a cheap boat ride, but it includes private use of the yacht, captain and guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in southern Gran Canaria, drinks, food, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, insurance, and taxes.

For a group of six, the value is much better than the headline figure suggests. You are paying for privacy and transport as much as for the boat itself. A smaller group of two or three will pay more per person, so this experience makes the most financial sense for families or friends sharing the cost.

The capacity information needs a little care. The excursion is priced for groups up to six, but the yacht can carry up to 12 passengers. If you are planning a group of seven to 12, ask the operator how the price changes before booking. Two vans were used for one group of 12, which shows that larger parties may need more transport coordination.

The included drinks and gear also reduce small extra costs. You do not have to rent a snorkel set or pay separately for basic paddleboarding. On the other hand, towels and premium drinks are extra in practical terms because you must supply the former and pay for the latter.

Who will enjoy this private sailing trip

I would choose this for a group that values time together more than a packed sightseeing schedule. Families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and small celebrations can use the yacht in their own way. The crew provides structure, but you are not locked into a loud party boat or a rigid tour routine.

It also suits groups with different energy levels. One person can paddleboard, another can snorkel, and someone else can remain on deck with a drink. That flexibility is harder to find on a standard shared excursion.

This is less suitable if you want a serious wildlife trip, a full meal, or a guaranteed sunset. Cloud cover affected one outing, and the schedule depends on the sea. You should also think twice if anyone in your group suffers badly from motion sickness.

The available languages are English and Spanish. Pickup is included only when booked in advance, and the operator asks you to be ready five minutes before the agreed time. Pets are not allowed, and alcohol or drugs cannot be brought into the vehicle. Nudity is also prohibited.

Should you book it?

Book this private yacht trip if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a relaxed mix of cruising, swimming, snacks, and music. The strongest reasons are the private boat, the sea-access-only stop at Perchel Cove, the included paddleboards, and the crew’s personal service.

Before paying, confirm the exact pickup time, the group price if you have more than six people, the cava service, and any dietary needs. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

I would not book it for a formal gourmet lunch or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. I would book it for an easy, social half-day on the Atlantic, especially if your group wants control over the mood and activities.

FAQ

How long does the yacht excursion last?

The activity lasts about 3 to 4 hours, not counting the hotel pickup and return transport.

Where does the yacht depart?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria, but you must book the pickup service in advance and provide your hotel, complex, or address.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The yacht can hold up to 12 passengers. The listed price is for a private group of up to six, so larger groups should confirm the applicable price.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. A welcome glass of cava is included. Cocktails, wine, mixed drinks, and additional cava are available at extra cost.

Is lunch included?

Assorted snacks made with fresh seasonal ingredients are included. The food can include items such as a meat and cheese board and Spanish omelette. Dietary needs should be provided in advance.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and two paddleboards are included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not provided. If you get seasick, the operator recommends bringing motion-sickness pills.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve-now, pay-later booking.